I Caught the Stolen: A Too Close Look at Aronofsky’s Latest

The movie I Caught the Stolen, currently available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, makes Darren Aronofsky seem like just another director. Known for intense films like mother!, Requiem for a Dream, and Black Swan, this latest effort doesn’t quite match those heights. Following his drama Whale, this crime-comedy adaptation of a Charlie Huston novel features Austin Butler, who, despite his star power, has yet to draw a major audience. It might be more of a curiosity for Aronofsky enthusiasts.

Key Points: Set in 1998 on the Lower East Side, we meet Hank Boots, who stumbles out of a bar, frustrated by the San Francisco Giants’ loss. He heads home and wakes up alongside Yvonne, played by Zoe Kravitz. Their chemistry is palpable—especially when they’re lounging in their underwear. After a hazy morning, Yvonne leaves, and Hank’s breakfast routine is less than impressive. Dreams of glory still linger as he drives around in his IROC-Z, taking in the tunes of Scorpions. He frequently checks in with his mom back in San Fran, always signing off with “Go Giants.”

Hank’s neighbor, Russ, played by Matt Smith, is a British punk with an unmistakable Mohawk. When Russ needs to visit his ailing father in London, he enlists Hank to care for his difficult but adorable cat. One particularly bizarre scene features a cat reaction shot that leans into the charming absurdity of the film. Hank gets sidetracked by hooligans looking for Russ, leading him into trouble. After a messy encounter, he finds himself in the hospital, and with Yvonne by his side, things could turn even darker.

Yvonne brings Hank home, but he’s still grappling with more than just physical pain. The doctor has a stern message: “No alcohol, ever.” As she opens the fridge filled with beer and spirits, it’s clear Hank’s struggles extend beyond the physical. With further trouble on the horizon from the hooligans, Hank turns to detective Roma, played by Regina King, who informs him that his situation is getting more complicated. As Hank uncovers layers of trouble, you may wonder if there’s any light at the end of this tunnel.

What films does this remind you of? It’s hard not to see similarities with Butler’s earlier role in the underwhelming Biker Dames. The villains in this movie seem to borrow a bit from Coen Brothers’ classics. It’s a bit surprising to watch Aronofsky dabble in a genre where others like Guy Ritchie or Quentin Tarantino excel.

Performance worth watching: Zoe Kravitz provides a dose of necessary energy, but her role feels limited. Regina King stands out, seamlessly blending the film’s comedic and dramatic tones.

Memorable conversation: “I don’t know what’s easy to pop!” – Roma

Sex and Skin: Butler and Kravitz sure look stunning together, especially in candid moments.

Our Take: In I Caught the Stolen, Aronofsky aims to strike a balance between comedy and tragedy. However, the film often feels emotionally hollow, overshadowed by Butler’s character development. It seems like a checklist of plot points rather than a well-rounded journey of self-discovery. The film hints at a deeper exploration of Hank’s struggles, but it sometimes suggests a watered-down comic-book interpretation, leaving some essential character moments unexplored. Yet, even with its flaws, Aronofsky delivers a unique vision, complete with engaging action scenes and a gritty vibe. It’s just that the emotional weight often falls flat, leaving viewers more invested in the antics of the accompanying cat than in the human characters.

Our Call: Honestly, you might want to skip this one.